Investigating a new bacterial pathway for sphingolipid production
Official title: Cryptic bacterial carrier proteins bridging fatty acid synthase
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11042269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain bacteria, like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, make special fats called sphingolipids that we thought only come from our bodies, which could help us find new ways to fight infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $171,565 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-pathogenic bacteria or those not responsive to antibiotic treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a newly discovered bacterial pathway that produces sphingolipids, which were previously thought to be exclusively derived from host organisms. The team is studying a unique acyl carrier protein, AcpSP, found in various pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. By utilizing advanced chemical and structural biology techniques, the researchers aim to understand how AcpSP interacts with other enzymes involved in sphingolipid biosynthesis. This could reveal new insights into bacterial pathogenesis and potential targets for antibiotic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting bacterial sphingolipid biosynthesis, improving treatment options for infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial biosynthetic pathways for antibiotic development, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkart, Michael D. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Burkart, Michael D.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.